You know.. probably everyone will disagree.. but I never worried about it. I got my horse working and then I have this curb bit with fixed shanks.. it is shaped like the horse's mouth with a straight bar at the bars of the mouth and the center part curves upward in the shape of the horse's tongue between the bars. The curb strap attaches to its own slots about the bit and the shank above the bit has another loop for the cheek piece.

The bit COULD be severe depending on the adjustment of the cub strap or chain and the harshness of the hands. I started the horse with the curb strap fairly loose.

Then I just rode the horse. By the time I was doing this I had taught the horse to move on an indirect rein and had gradually turned that into a nice neck rein.

As a couple of weeks went along I just shortened the curb straps to the tightness I felt optimal. At some point I barely touched the bit (a little bump once in awhile if I needed it).. but just the very lightest of contact.

And that was it.. we were working in that bit.

I have not had a horse in a long time but I have that bit. Never had a horse object to it and it fit a LOT of horses. Of course I had nice heavy oiled latigo reins and a very light hand.

I have never seen another bit like it and I don't even recall where I got it. This is similar but mine has a stainless mouth piece.

Goll darnit! I'll try this again for the 4th time . I keep losing my post.

Drafty, what size bit is Aires wearing now? Only reason I ask is because, if he’s like Rafe, then he’s wearing at least a 6”. I’ve scoured every site I could find on the internet looking for a bit that I like in the size that he’s going to need to fit his big honking head LOL. I’ve not had any luck with commercially available bits. I’ve basically resigned myself to the fact that he’s going to need a custom bit.

I spoke with these folks about 3 years ago and they quoted me a price of $75 for a bit very similar to this. The only difference is that they don’t work with sweet iron, only stainless steel. So, the mouth would be stainless inlaid with copper…which I wasn’t too keen on, I’m really wanting sweet iron. They mainly cater to the Walker crowd so most of their “standard” bits are pretty gruesome looking, but the quality appears to be good.Horse Bits, Walking Horse Bits, Custom Horse Bits, Grissom Bits, Tail Brace, Tennessee, Shobitz

I’ve also spoken with these folks and he quoted me a price of $175 to get exactly what I want, which is a sweet iron mouth like this with copper inlays and stainless steel shanks like this. Of course, it would cost more if I wanted any decoration, but I’m more utilitarian LOL.Vernon Lynes - Silversmith - Lynes Custom Cowboy Company

Always remember that feeling of looking at a big, open country over the ears of a good horse, seeing a new trail unwind ahead of you, and that ever-spectacular view from the top of the ridge!!! Follow my training blog: http://robertsontraining.blogspot.com/

I need to measure him again. I know that he outgrew our 5.25" eggbutt French link snaffle, but we've been using a Little S hack for a while (he likes it better). Aires is shaped weird. His head is ridiculously long (draft-size halter and bridle in length), but not very thick/wide. I highly doubt he's much wider than a 5.5" right now.Posted via Mobile Device

Yes, I am suggesting a Pelham to transition into a western curb. Somehow I'm thinking you might already have one or know someone who could lend you one. You can go cheap--~$20.00--AND, it makes a nice hacking bit, too.
bsms I really like the bit you pictured.
Elana, the bit in your picture is almost identical to the three (same)bits I bought many years ago for trail riding. ALL of my horses like this bit, but DA, you should be aware that the long shank gives you a lot more leverage, along with the "s" shape. I have used both a leather curb "chain" and an actual chain with them.

I don't have a Pelham and I don't know anyone with one (let alone in the size I need). I would have to order one, which isn't a huge deal. My only concern is that he detests single-jointed bits, which a Pelham is (unless they make them in a double jointed version).Posted via Mobile Device

Iíve also spoken with these folks and he quoted me a price of $175 to get exactly what I want, which is a sweet iron mouth like this with copper inlays and stainless steel shanks like this. Of course, it would cost more if I wanted any decoration, but Iím more utilitarian LOL.Vernon Lynes - Silversmith - Lynes Custom Cowboy Company

Ooh, I like that second bit you posted, smrobs.

Drafty, nothing wrong with having a bit collection! I've pruned down to my favorite 6 over the years, but I may *need* to buy one like smrobs posted...

My problem with the western bits, as I'm sure smrobs understands completely, is finding them in the right size. It seems like all the ones I can find are 5". For instance, I really like the bit you posted, Cynical, but I can only find it in a 5"...and I need it in a 5.5", at least.Posted via Mobile Device

Yep, totally unfair that they've got all those draft sized English bits, but the only western options we have are either the typical solid curb (which there is nothing really wrong with except they are very limiting as far as feel goes)

Always remember that feeling of looking at a big, open country over the ears of a good horse, seeing a new trail unwind ahead of you, and that ever-spectacular view from the top of the ridge!!! Follow my training blog: http://robertsontraining.blogspot.com/

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